My story

Death Valley, in the Mojave Desert, features the lowest and driest locations in North America …And the hottest. At 56.7 °C it was just 2°C lower than the Libyan world record.

It was named by an unlucky group of miners who crossed the valley in 1849. They barely survived. "Good-bye, Death Valley," one of the miners said as they staggered out of the desert. But heat & dehydration are only two of the dangers. There are regular deaths from flash floods, abandoned mine shafts and, of course, rattlesnakes, scorpions, black widow spiders...

From the 5th to the 12th November 2011 Rich Bates, one of the partners of Bunkers Solicitors, Hove, will be cycling the length of this inhospitable environment to raise funds for the Edward Starr Charitable Trust. The Trust exists to improve the lives of children in the UK and around the world by providing project based funding. Working with individuals and charities, the Trust aims to benefit children through education, healthcare, development or simply fun.

The Cycle of Death will be gruelling – around 270 miles in 5 days, ascending nearly 17,500 feet and all in blistering heat, followed by freezing nights…

Any support for the Cycle of Death would be greatly appreciated – whether sponsorship or encouragement. You can follow Rich’s progress on Twitter @brightlawyer, Facebook and http://deadmencycling.blogspot.com     

Every child deserves the chance of a safe, healthy and happy life. You can the help the Edward Starr Charitable Trust’s fantastic work by supporting Rich in making it out of Death Valley…ALIVE!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

My charity

The Edward Starr Charitable Trust

The Edward Starr Charitable Trust

Charity Registration No. 1127497

The Edward Starr Charitable Trust aims to improve the lives of children in the South East of England by providing project based funding. We support initiatives that give benefit to children through education, healthcare, development or just fun. Every penny raised goes to the projects we support.

Donations 64

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Test donation-Rich

Donation by Richard Bates on 23/06/11

£1.00

+ £0.25 Gift Aid

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Good Luck

Donation by Shoreham Port on 14/06/11

£150.00

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Richard and Michael - best of luck and well done to both of you

Donation by John Thacker on 12/06/11

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Donation by Neville Roberts on 09/06/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Hi Rich - this all sounds a bit bonkers! Fancy taking Tilly with you and wearing her out a bit? Cheers, Amy T

Donation by Amy Tarrant on 09/06/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good luck Richard

Donation by Helen Bristow on 07/06/11

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Good luck !

Donation by stewart gray AUSTIN GRAY on 06/06/11

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Looks like you are going to get a good tan. Good luck wish I was going with you (NOT!)

Donation by Piers Merrett on 01/06/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good Luck Michael and Rich! It's fantastic that you've arranged this to support a wonderful cause. Love, Lucy xx

Donation by L Richards on 31/05/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Hope you make it! Good luck

Donation by Rupert Haxell on 31/05/11

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

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Good luck Michael and fellow travellers. A fantastic challenge and an amazing charity!

Donation by Lee Shawyer on 31/05/11

£30.00

+ £7.50 Gift Aid

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Chaps, I would have loved to join you but I fear I will still be drying out!

Donation by Rob Starr on 31/05/11

£150.00

+ £37.50 Gift Aid

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Donation by Maria Tyrrell on 25/05/11

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Michael, Richard, wish you the very best of luck on this great challenge, all in all an excellent cause. Don't forget to take your Factor 50. Kieran

Donation by Kieran Connolly on 11/05/11

£25.00

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Good luck Michael :-)

Donation by Alec Bento on 04/05/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Michael All the best with the challenge Chris

Donation by Chris Lawrence on 18/04/11

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Good luck boys I know you can do it - keep up with the training!!! Las Vegas here you come...

Donation by Julia Dyson on 06/04/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Imy is very proud of her daddy, we wish you both lots of luck on your marathon journey, you'll have a great time! x

Donation by Michele Longmore and Imy on 06/04/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good Luck from both of us. Better you.....

Donation by Derek Poole on 01/04/11

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Well I am convinced, you are totally barmy, but good luck.

Donation by Trevor Hayward on 26/03/11

£30.00

+ £8.46 Gift Aid

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Can't decide if you are very brave or just mad Michael but I still think it is terrific what you and Rich are hoping to achieve Good luck Mum

Donation by Hazel Hayes on 25/03/11

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Namaste, Good Luck Michael Sahib. Have you told the Dalai Lama about this venture? I really think I'd rather walk to Everest than cycle Death Valley

Donation by Michael Hobby on 24/03/11

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Rich & Mike, it's confirmed, you are both mad, good luck, training looks dangerous on its own, let alone the ride itself, stay safe, best wishes Loz

Donation by lawrence boon on 21/03/11

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Thought you could have found something more strenuous to do Michael. Aunty Barbara and Uncle Bill

Donation by Barbara Jameson on 20/03/11

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Good luck Rich!Remember the suncream.

Donation by alan foster on 17/03/11

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£2,165.60
  • Offline donations£3,123.00
  • Text donations£6.00
  • Total raised£5,294.60
  • Gift Aid£417.95

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.